insulate

to cover, line, or separate with a material that prevents or reduces the passage, transfer, or leakage of heat, electricity, or sound: to insulate an electric wire with a rubber sheath; to insulate a coat with down.

to place in an isolated situation or condition; segregate.

Origin of insulate

First recorded in 1530–40,insulate is from the Latin word insulātus made into an island. See insula, -ate1

Word Origin and History for insulate

v.

1530s, "make into an island," from Latin insulatus, from insula (see insular). Sense of "cause a person or thing to be detached from surroundings" is from 1785. Electrical/chemical sense of "block from electricity or heat" is from 1742. Related: Insulated; insulating.